Murphy – The Cherokee County Arts Council was the host for July’s Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce’s After Hours on Friday.
The monthly event gives local owners a chance to showcase their business and invite members to see what’s going on in the area, according to chamber Director Victoria Ivie. The event also offered donuts from Crafted Dough, slices from Downtown Pizza Co. and featured artist Emory Nolan of Blairsville, Ga.
Nolan’s art – inspired by both his roots in New Orleans and recent move with his wife, Erika, to a homestead in the north Georgia mountains – provided a scenic backdrop to the event as attendees were able to engage with the artist and discuss his works in the atrium gallery.
Also on hand were board President Nathan Baerreis and vice president Rachel Watson, who outlined many of the free programs the CCAC offers both to children and adults throughout the year. They also hinted at CCAC’s next plans to unveil a second story studio with purchase of the building.
Too, the Arts Council highlighted open studios, which are available for tours at 33 Valley River Ave. downtown. Door prizes were also offered as each business or individual attending dropped business cards in for the drawing, which also happens monthly.
Ivie said these events are a wonderful time for local business owners to support each other. She encourages any chamber member business to volunteer their location for a monthly event.
Details: Visit cherokeecountychamber.com and cherokeeartscouncil.org.